Oct 2, 2011

You didn't need a crystal ball to know this was going to be the next step in what has turned into the circus show surrounding Bishop Eddie Long and his ongoing sex scandal. As soon as the accusers stepped forward and spoke to the media about details surrounding the allegations levied at Long, you knew it was only a matter of time before he sought to get his money, or rather the church's money, back.

I guess the accusers figured they didn't need that money Long gave them since a book deal is a lot more lucrative. I'm not saying they did this for money, but the whole thing is a bit curious.

ATLANTA (WAOK)-After three of the five young men who accused Bishop Eddie Long of sexual coercion went public with details of their relationships, Long’s attorneys now say they want some of the money the plaintiffs were paid back.

Attorneys representing Eddie Long’s church have informed three of the five young men that they intend to recover nearly $1 million from their financial settlement, according to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The letter, sent this week by the Atlanta law firm Drew Eckl & Farnham, alleges that Jamal Parris, Spencer LeGrande and Centino Kemp violated terms of a confidentiality agreement outlined in the settlement with Long and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The firm is seeking at least $900,000 already paid the three accusers, according to people involved in the settlement but not authorized to speak publicly. That figure is a portion of the total settlement with the three men.

Financial terms of that settlement have not been disclosed but, based on the letter and the fact each of the young men were paid equitably, the total comes to at least $1.5 million.

Each of the three young men who were sent letters have said they plan to write tell all books about their experience with Bishop Long.